She read her handwritten message on the “bonds that unite” the 71 nations and territories (it had traveled around the Commonwealth inside the games baton) to declare the games open.

No one said anything about independence. Scotland is hosting the 20th edition of the games for former British colonies just as it could be leaving the United Kingdom. Scots vote in a referendum in September on whether to become like Canada or Australia.

The queen, who is head of the Commonwealth, and her royal relatives will be much in evidence for the games, including the popular Prince William, Duchess Kate and Prince Harry, as a demonstration of the royal family’s devotion to Scotland, the Commonwealth and sport.

Photo by Ben Stansall /AFP Getty Images

Organizers of the opening ceremony chose a self-deprecating approach to the entertainment: Cute Scottish terriers on leashes led the participating teams on to the field. Famous Scots, including Stewart and Boyle, performed.

Photo by Ben Stansall /AFP/Getty Images

A giant blow-up version of Nessie took the field, as did dancers dressed as giant Scottish teacakes, and a giant haggis. As the bagpipes wailed and kilts swirled, people sang on top of whiskey barrels and St. Andrews was hailed as the home of golf.

Photo by Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP

A huge screen stretching the length of the pitch caught it all, including Ewan McGregor’s welcome to the crowd of an estimated 40,000 in the stadium and millions watching on TV: “I’m proud to say welcome to Scotland, welcome to Glasgow, welcome to the opening ceremony of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.”